Michigan Technological University International Programs & Services

Reduced Course Load Request

International students are required to be full-time during Fall and Spring semesters. In the event the student does not intend to take a full course load, they must get prior approval from the IPS advisor. Please note: The IPS advisor is authorized to approve less than full course load for degree-seeking students on F-1 and J-1 visas only under the guidelines of exceptions allowed by federal regulations, During a students first year, only one exception for academic difficulties will be approved.

Graduate students who are in research only mode who wish to request reduced course load authorization must, upon approval of this authorization, also contact Nancy Byers Sprague (nspr@mtu.edu) in the Graduate School to request removal from research-only mode. Graduate students supported on assistantship must register for 9 credits and may not request reduced course load authorization. J-1 Non-degree (exchange) students See item 7 below.
1. Academic Difficulties - Lack of familiarity with US teaching methods - Difficulty with English language (including reading requirements) - Improper course level placement Required Documentation: The student needs to provide a letter from the academic advisor and/or instructor confirming that the student is eligible for the above exception based on the evaluation of the students academic performance or records. 2. Medical Condition Applicable to serious medical conditions which restrict the students ability to attend classes and pursue a full-time course of study. Available for a maximum of one year. Required Documentation: The student must provide formal documentation from a physician or licensed mental health practitioner. This documentation must be on the physicians or practitioners letterhead and submitted each semester. 3. Completion of Course of Study (Final Semester at MTU) Applicable to students who are in their last semester at MTU, allowing them to take only the courses required to complete their degree program. The advisors signature on this form constitutes the required documentation. 4. Concurrent Enrollment (Transient Student) F-1 students are allowed to take a limited number of credits at other institutions. The student is required to submit the transfer grades to MTU when the semester is completed. Required Documentation: - A copy of current Michigan Tech enrollment record. - A copy of registration at the transient school, including student name, semester, course, course number, and credits. - Letter from your MTU academic adviser approving the course(s) for transfer to MTU for the semester. 5. Thesis and Dissertation Available to graduate students who are NOT supported on assistantship and have completed all the required coursework for the degree as well as six credit hours of research (master's) or three credit hours of research (doctorate) may request reduced course load authorization. The thesis, report or dissertation advisor must verify that the student is making satisfactory progress and sign this form. 6. Semester-Off Authorization (Non-Traditional Vacation Term) Summer is the traditional semester off and does not need to be approved. This form must be submitted PRIOR to taking spring or fall semester off. To be eligible, students must have been full-time for the two previous (consecutive) semesters, and receive approval from their academic program or graduate advisor. Required Documentation: Submit a completed and approved Semester-Off Authorization form rather than the Reduced Course Load Request. 7. J-1 Non-degree Prescribed Course of Study If you are here as an exchange student with a specific educational objective that does not require enrollment in a full-time course load (e.g., a research project and/or academic training), you may qualify for reduced course load. Please make an appointment to discuss your prescribed course of study with an IPS advisor prior to completing and submitting the RCL form. Required Documentation: Description of your specific educational objective signed by your home-school academic advisor and/or the international exchange officer at your home university. Signature of your Michigan Tech department advisor approving the reduced course load. Revised 16 February 2010 1

Michigan Technological University International Programs & Services

Reduced Course Load Request

This form is used by F-1 and J-1 students who intend to take less than a full course load. An approved reduced course load must consist of at least 6 credits (UG) or 1 credit (GR), except for medical conditions. The form must be completed and submitted to the IPS advisor. The student must not drop/withdraw below a full course of study without prior approval of the IPS advisor. Any less than full course load without the approval of the IPS advisor will be considered an out of status situation. Students need to submit a new Reduced Course Load form each semester that he/she plans to be enrolled less than full-time.

1/20/2012 Date Requested: _______________________

Spring 2012 Semester for which RCL is requested: ___________________________

The following reasons are the only permissible ones: (check one) Illness or Medical condition (medical documentation required; academic advisor approval not required) Improper course level placement (Academic Advisor Approval required) Initial difficulty with reading requirements (Academic Advisor Approval required) Initial difficulty with the English language (Academic Advisor Approval required) Concurrent enrollment (Academic Advisor Approval required) To complete course of study in current term (Academic Advisor Approval required) Unfamiliarity with American teaching methods (Academic Advisor Approval required) Student has completed all coursework and is on full-time OPT (Graduate students only) J-1 non-degree student with documented Prescribed Course of Study (22 CFR 62.2)

Student Info
Bhatt Apoorva Mahendra Family Name: ___________________________ First Name: _______________________Middle Name: ________________ M03276104 MTU ID #: _______________________________________ SEVIS ID #: ________________________________________ 06/07/1986 ambhatt@mtu.edu Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY): _____________________________ MTU E-mail Address: __________________________

Education Information Education Level:

Bachelor

Master's

Doctoral

Non-degree

Electrical Engineering Major: _________________________________________ College: ______________________________________________ 3 Credit hour enrollment this semester at MTU: _______________________________________________________________

Concurrent School Name and Phone Number (if applicable): ___________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Student Signature

1/20/2012 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name

Dr. Warren Perger ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Academic Advisor Name (Please Print)

Date

____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Academic Advisor Signature Date

Revised 16 February 2010 2